Durham anti-violence worker accused of leading deputies on chase, throwing cocaine from car
WRAL Investigates has learned Jacobey Gooch is an outreach worker for Bull City United, a group funded by taxpayer dollars, aimed to prevent violent crime. Gooch was arrested March 30 in Craven County after deputies there say he led them on a chase.
Posted — UpdatedA news release states: "The subject attempted to utilize their vehicle to strike law enforcement vehicles but was unsuccessful in making contact with any of the vehicles involved in the pursuit," before ultimately stopping and being taken into custody. A search of the vehicle yielded "several items of drug paraphernalia and a large amount of cash consistent with narcotics distribution."
A passenger in the vehicle was charged with six crimes including felony trafficking in cocaine.
WRAL Investigates contacted every member of the County Commissioners and City Council for comment on this latest incident, and to inquire if each thinks the group is effective, and if it should continue to receive taxpayer funding.
"I think we have to differentiate between the philosophical viability of violence interruption and specific cases of individuals," he said. "For example, over my years of service in Durham, I’ve encountered officers who have acted outside of the law. It never occurred to me to disband the police department. It occurred to me to get rid of the bad actors."
Durham Mayor Leo Williams referred us to the County, saying he, too, would like to hear from them, as they oversee the Bull City United program.
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